Bibi Fatima SHG Among Equator Prize 2025 Winners

The Equator Prize 2025 winners list was recently announced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This prestigious recognition is awarded to Indigenous Peoples and local communities around the globe for their outstanding efforts in biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and nature-based solutions to climate change.

In 2025, a remarkable achievement for India came through the Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) from Teertha village, Karnataka, which became the only Indian winner among ten global recipients.

About the Equator Prize

The Equator Prize is an annual award presented by UNDP to honour grassroots-level initiatives that integrate environmental protection with community well-being. The 2025 theme was Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action.

Key facts:

• Organiser: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

• Purpose: Recognise community-led projects promoting biodiversity awards, climate action prize, and sustainable livelihoods

• Selection: From over 700 nominations across 103 countries

• Prize: USD 10,000 to each winner, plus global recognition

• Exposure: Participation in major UN events and networking opportunities

Bibi Fatima Women’s SHG – The Indian Pride

The Equator Prize 2025 winners from India include the Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group, formed in 2018 by 15 rural women in Dharwad district, Karnataka. Over the years, it has expanded to support more than 5,000 farmers in 30 villages.

Achievements:

1. Millet-based mixed cropping on rainfed farms using eco-friendly methods

2. Management of community seed banks that provide free seeds to farmers

3. A solar-powered millet processing unit producing rotis, vermicelli, and other value-added products

4. Strengthening climate-resilient farming while improving women’s incomes and empowerment

The group collaborates with:

• Sahaja Samruddha

• Indian Institute of Millets Research

• CROPS4HD

• Selco Foundation (provided solar power for processing unit)

• Devadhanya Farmer Producer Company (for rural agribusiness promotion)

These partnerships align with nature-based climate action and indigenous community awards criteria.

Global Context – UNDP Equator Prize 2025 Full List

Apart from India, the UNDP Equator Prize 2025 full list includes winners from Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Peru, and Tanzania.

Some notable projects:

• Indigenous craft cooperatives in Argentina and Peru

• Rainforest conservation in Brazil and Papua New Guinea

• Marine ecosystem restoration in Indonesia and Tanzania

• Agrobiodiversity zones in Ecuador and Kenya

These global climate action awards collectively work toward ecosystem protection, food sovereignty, and inclusive green economies.

Why This Matters for SSC Aspirants

The Equator Prize 2025 winners topic is important for SSC, UPSC, and State PSC exams because:

• It’s a current affairs question with international significance

• It involves environment, climate action, and women empowerment, common themes in the General Awareness and Essay sections

• It connects India’s local innovation to nature-based solutions recognised by UNDP

Possible exam questions:

1. Who is the only Indian winner on the Equator Prize 2025 winners list?

2. What was the theme of the UNDP Equator Prize 2025?

3. Which Indian district is home to the winning SHG?

4. How many countries participated in the nominations?

Significance of Nature-Based Solutions

The award highlights nature-based solutions, actions that use ecosystems and biodiversity to tackle climate challenges while supporting human well-being. They combine traditional knowledge with innovation, promoting:

• Ecosystem restoration

• Sustainable agriculture

• Community resilience

Women-led projects winning the Equator Prize play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering indigenous communities awarded for climate action.

Summary Table – Equator Prize 2025 Winners

Final Thoughts

The Equator Prize 2025 winners showcase the incredible potential of community-led initiatives in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development. The recognition of Bibi Fatima Women’s SHG from India highlights the role of women's leadership in driving nature-based solutions.

Globally, these winners demonstrate how Indigenous knowledge combined with innovative practices can protect biodiversity and strengthen food security. The prize emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly farming, renewable energy, and local empowerment.

By celebrating such efforts, UNDP awards inspire other communities to adopt sustainable livelihoods while addressing climate challenges. Overall, the Equator Prize 2025 winners are a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and resilience in building a greener and equitable future.